THE Mayor of Marlborough, Margaret Boulton, and Brian Stubbs, the president of Marlborough Lions Club, together planted a tree of peace at the town's cemetery yesterday, to commemorate the lives lost in the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington a year ago.

The tree, an American oak, was donated by the Lions as part of an international Tree Of Peace initiative.

Doug Hilditch, a Lions Club committee member, said: "It is in memory of the people who died, but it is looking forward to the future and the generations who will come and visit the tree."

Coun Boulton thanked the Lions for their contribution and said she hoped it would be a living monument to peace and to international understanding.

In a short service of dedication, the mayor's chaplain, the Rev Steve Sankey, of Christchurch, Marlborough, said the American tragedy had linked the world in a circle of grief.

He said: "Even now, a year later, we find the terrorists' blatant disregard for human life unimaginable, an affront to the God of life.

"We still cry out against the flagrant waste of lives, promises that will not be kept, relationships unfulfilled."

Coun Maurice Cooper said he had chosen an American oak because he thought it was the most appropriate tree, not only because of its name but also because of its autumn colours.

He said the leaves would be a glowing red either at, or shortly after, the anniversary every year.

"It will be flaming red in the autumn each year to remind us of the twin towers tragedy," he said.

"I also thought it was an appropriate tree to show that the heart of England is behind the USA."

A plaque referring to the significance of the tree-planting, which will be put up in the cemetery, has been given by the town council.